Recommendations for an 6x9 enlarger with tall column

[Rollei fan]

I have a Opemus 5a with color head. When I make 12x16 inch enlargements from 6x6 negs I often wish it had a taller column. Also, I have an old Super Ikonta 6x9 and would like to print some 6x9 sometime, but Opemus is for max. 6x6. So a good second hand 6x9 color enlarger with a tall column is what I need.

Can you share your experiences of Durst M805 and Meopta Magnifax 4 ? Which of these has the taller column? Other recommendations?

 

[StigHagen]

Leitz Focomat IIc is an excellent enlarger going up to 6x9", but I havent seen it with a color head yet....

 

[ic-racer]

Chromega D5xL in the USA

When I make 12x16 inch enlargements from 6x6 negs

If you are cropping to 6x4.5 proportions or similar, you could try a 60 or 75mm enlarging lens with your existing enlarger

 

[mikebarger]

With the prices on 4x5 being next to nothing, I'd look at a 4x5 enlarger. A friend of my recently (almost a year now) sent a Omega D2 to the dump because he couldn't get any takers. I gave away the carriers and a couple lens boards here on APUG.

Craigslist St Louis just had a 4x5 with lens and other items for $50. http://stlouis.craigslist.org/pho/2041642447.html

Just a thought.

Mike

 

[André E.C.]

My own, the Durst M805, 135cm more or less of max height, tall enough?

Cheers

 

[Rollei fan]

My own, the Durst M805, 135cm more or less of max height, tall enough?

Cheers

That sounds tall enough . Shooting 4x5 film is not in my plans, so a 4x5 enlarger is not really necessary.

Getting a wideangle lens could be an option for large enlargements from 6x6 with my existing Opemus 5a, but how good are they? I use an old Apo-Rodagon 90mm for 6x6, and that gives very sharp prints corner to corner. I doubt any 60mm wide angle could be as good?

 

[mikebarger]

While you may not plan to use a 4x5 camera, consider that 4x5 enlargers are generally taller than MF enlargers, almost always heavier, and built like they're meant to last.

If they're the same price......

Mike

 

[MartinP]

I second the use of a 4x5 enlarger if you can find one. And you have to admit that you always wanted to try 4x5 pinholes . . . ? No ? ;o)

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Look around for a Beseler 23C II or III with the XL column. I don't know where you are but here in the states they're common as fleas on an outdoor cat, very durable and easy to work with. And there's TONS of accessories (lensboards, carriers, etc) for them.

 

[Mike Wilde]

While you may not plan to use a ...larger... camera, consider that 4x5 ...and up... enlargers are generally taller than MF enlargers, almost always heavier, and built like they're meant to last.

If they're the same price......Mike

I had a Durst 138 gifted to me last week, and the above statement certainly applies.

Head to baseboard distances while vertical can get to almost 6', and when the head is tipped horizontal, is virtually unlimited.

If you are looking to big enlargements, well 6x9 is a great place to start, but the 4x5enlarger advice is sound, because if you want crisp big prints then 4x5 will be coming your way before you know it.

 

[Mike Wilde]

Thinking outside of the box a bit.

Weigh down the baseboard, and then turn the enlarger 'backwards' to project over the back of the baseboard edge of the desk for times when you want to print big. I have done this - it is a pain, but if you are not doing it every day, it is tennnable.

Does you enlarger allow you to mount it off its baseboard on a shelf, bolted to the wall above the desk with your easel? I did this on an Omega B non xl before an Omega D-xl came my way at the right price.
For smaller prints under 8x10 I would put the easel on a box to raise it closer to the lens

Durst have good solid line of condenser enlargers 606 to 600 for 6x6 max. I don't know what the next step up is. They are built in a way that the carriage slides on a vertical round tube with a square channel attached. It is possible to make channels in the ceiling to slide the baseboard into. Then hang the head upside down compared to its usual way and project onto your ususal dry desk, or the floor if necessary.

 

[ic-racer]

I use an old Apo-Rodagon 90mm

In that case, a 75mm will give a much bigger image and it covers the full 6x6 negative without being a wide angle lens.

The original post reads as if you are cropping to 6x4.5, so in that case a 60mm non-wide angle may work.

 

[Rollei fan]

Thinking outside of the box a bit.

Weigh down the baseboard, and then turn the enlarger 'backwards' to project over the back of the baseboard edge of the desk for times when you want to print big. .

Yes, that is what I have to do now, I put the easel mask on a chair and project over the edge of the baseboard. Not very a ergonomic way to work, I must say.

Getting a 4x5 enlarger might be an option, but aren't they more awkward to use?

 

[Rollei fan]

In that case, a 75mm will give a much bigger image and it covers the full 6x6 negative without being a wide angle lens.

The original post reads as if you are cropping to 6x4.5, so in that case a 60mm non-wide angle may work.

I have the 75mm f4 El-Nikkor, but I tend to use Apo Rodagon 90mm because I get sharper results.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Yes, that is what I have to do now, I put the easel mask on a chair and project over the edge of the baseboard. Not very a ergonomic way to work, I must say.

Getting a 4x5 enlarger might be an option, but aren't they more awkward to use?

Actually, I find the bigger the better (to a point). My 4x5 enlarger is more pleasurable to work with than the 6x9cm enlarger. When making enlargements to the maximum capacity of the enlarger column, it's always a struggle to focus using your fine-focus loupe unless you have the arms of an Orang-outang or your enlarger's maximum print size is 8x10.

 

[ic-racer]

I have the 75mm f4 El-Nikkor, but I tend to use Apo Rodagon 90mm because I get sharper results.

Ahh,yes, that is an issue. There are only three 6-element 75mm enlarging lenses out there that I know of. The Fujinon EX 75mm, the Fujinon EP 75mm and the Koumaron-S 75mm. (I'm leaving out the Rodenstock Apo 75mm as it is not an enlarging lens, being designed for 1:1).

I think that I'd still go with a 4x5 XL enlarger. If you enjoy the sharpness of using the center of that APO 90mm you won't want to compromize that with a flimsy tall medium format enlarger.

Using an enlarger 'one size bigger' is almost always easier, no matter how big the enlarger. Even with an 8x10 enlarger, the 8x10 negative has to be centered exactly under the light box and printing the rebate is just barely possible. I'll bet Bob Carine will agree that its easier to print full frame 8x10 negatives with rebate on his 11x14 enlarger.

 

[jp80874]

Several years ago when I bought a Mamiya RZ 67cm camera I asked the professional photographer selling it what enlarger he would suggest. He as others above said that almost everyone he knew who graduated from 35mm to 6x7 eventually went on to 4x5. Since I am color blind I bought the taller B&W version of the following and have been very happy. Don’t buy new if you can because there are so many enlargers going cheaply or free second hand. The following is just to give you the details.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/45399-REG/Omega_205450_LPL_4500_II_4x5_Color.html 53 inches high

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/90219-REG/Omega_209457_LPL_4550XLG_4x5_Color.html 59 inches high

I can also recommend the Durst brand as I went to a 138S converted to 8x10 for something larger than 4x5.

John Powers

 

[fschifano]

Getting a 4x5 enlarger might be an option, but aren't they more awkward to use?

Not at all. If anything I find them easier to work with than smaller enlargers if you have the space for it. Everything is bigger and easier to handle. I have two 4x5 enlargers, an Omega D4 and a Beseler 45 MXT, and an Omega B6oo that is capable of handling negatives up to 6x6 cm. The 4x5 enlargers are very sturdily built, extremely resistant to vibration, and are very easy to operate because they are just plain big. If you want to make really big prints, the Omega D4 can be easily rotated around its base to project over the edge of the table. With the Beseler 45, you can flip the whole head assembly 90 deg to the horizontal and project out to the wall

 

[Rollei fan]

Thank you all for your answers, this is a great forum with great people

 

[Simplicius]

I have a Kaiser 6x9 and it is fantastic ... I bought the longer column and it is still supported by Kaiser germany. Dunno if many are outside EU but great machine.

here is one on a uk website.

http://www.novadarkroom.com/product/368/Kaiser_VCP_9005_Colour_Enlarger.html